- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
ARNOLD RONALD CHARLES
Born: Mar 06, 1931
Date of Passing: Jun 04, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryARNOLD RONALD CHARLES March 6, 1931 June 4, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Arnold (Arnie) Charles. Arnie was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and John Charles and in 2010 by his wife and the love of his life, Dorothy. He was also predeceased by his nephew, Micky Dierckens. He is survived by his two sisters, Shirley Dierckens and Georgie Arnaud as well as his nephews, Tim (Kathy) Edwards, Gerry Arnaud and nieces, Shirley (Jim) Campbell and Beverly (Roland) Courchaine and their families. Also left to mourn his passing is his good friend and companion, Suzanne Brown; as well as life-long friends, Jeanette Kirby, Frances Popovich and his many great neighbours on Milford Street; also the Bindings, Dowbiggins and Hamblins all of whom considered Arnie to be family. Arnie was born March 6, 1931 and began his life in St. Vital. Arnie began his love of music when he entered grade one and was introduced to Mrs. Bartholomew, his teacher. She trained the class and took them to a singing competition the first of many singing engagements for Arnie. Arnie loved to sing and dance. He was a long-time member of the Grey Street United Church choir and was one of the inaugural singers with the Sisters of the Holy Rock. Arnie was very proud of the "Sisters" and the fact that they were able to help organizations raise over $3.5 million for charity. Arnie was also an active singer with the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen (Barbershop Harmony) and loved performing in their concerts. He was not only a great singer but also loved to help organize the concerts and other activities for the group. Arnie had a tee shirt that said, "WARNING I may spontaneously break into song." He often broke into song and could be heard serenading women, any place, anywhere and especially so if he spotted a red head and he didn't need to know them. Arnie loved his career with CP Rail and continued to keep in close contact with many of his CP buddies through their regular get togethers. He loved to curl and had many friends in the Chaplin's and senior's leagues at the Heather and Valour Rd. Curling Clubs. Arnie dedicated his life not just to music but also to helping others. He was involved with the Kiwanis Club and served as the Elmwood District President in 1964. He spoke with enthusiasm and pride about the work they accomplished in such projects as the Kiwanis Centre for the Deaf and the Little Britches Rodeo held for several years in conjunction with the Manitoba Stampede in Morris. He was filled with compassion for others and was always helping those in need. He cared for the love of his life, Dorothy for many years as she became progressively less mobile. Arnie felt his mission in life was to help others and was always assisting neighbours and friends. In more recent years, he and Suzanne enjoyed helping the George V School Breakfast Program. He loved the children. He loved making them laugh and seeing them happy. Arnie loved to travel and meet people and in the past few years was fortunate to have found another love in Suzanne and they enjoyed each other's humour, companionship and travel times. All who met and knew Arnie loved him and appreciated his songs and humour. All this many nieces and nephews loved sharing time with Uncle Arnie. One four year old niece, upon hearing of uncle Arnie being not well, made the comment that sums up Arnie very well. Uncle Arnie was "always happy" and after a short pause, she said, "and a little tricky". Thanks to the Concordia Hospital and the first responders for assisting Arnie in his last hours and keeping him comfortable. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday June 17th at the Holy Eucharist Parish Centre, 460 Monroe Ave. at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grey Street United Church, 651 Sandhurst Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2L 1B1. A private interment will take place prior to the service.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2016
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
-
I was deeply saddened hearing of the loss of my "uncle Arnie". I received the news a year after his passing and I regret not being there to celebrate his life with the countless people he touched throughout his years. I spent every Boxing Day of my first 17 years of life on Milford and those memories are with me today. I can still hear his voice, telling stories, singing and laughing. What an impact he made on my life and I was so lucky to have him and his family near. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and making me feel like family. - Posted by: Sharon Vickner (Family friend) on: Dec 11, 2018
-
I am so sorry to hear that Arnie has passed away. I met Arnie and Suzanne on the beach in Bucerias Mexico. They always had treats for my dogs and Arnie was so full of songs and advice. Someone asked once if he was my father to which I replied "no, but if I were to pick a Father, I would pick Arnie". I will miss him very much when I return to Mexico this winter. Such a lovely kind man. May he rest in peace... - Posted by: Dianna Stampe (Friend from Mexico who lives in Saskatoon) on: Nov 08, 2016
-
We will always remember Arnie with heart felt appreciation as team mates and friends. Arnie was a great sport and an encourager for both of us especially when we first started in the Chaplain's league. We will miss him and will always hold his memory in deep fondness. - Posted by: Jack and Miriam Duckworth (curling freinds ) on: Jun 20, 2016
-
I have known Arnie for over 20 years since he joined The Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen as a bass singer. At that time he was very unsure singing acappella harmony but he worked hard at fitting in. He was full of energy and enthusiasm. I sang with him in a quartet he organized for a Clear Lake Harmony school. He took great pleasure in organizing backyard barbeques at his home. He was a member of my Senior curling team at Valour Road Curling Club along with Ron Crapper¨^¨who died May 21, 2016. I will always remember Arnie's bass solo version of "These Hands" that he sang with the Sisters of the Holy Rock. It was so sincere and well presented. Our condolences to family and friends. He will be missed. - Posted by: Vern and Aggie Fast (Barbershop Harmony friends) on: Jun 12, 2016
-
Arnie was a remarkable soul and an integral part of the essence of the Sisters. His boundless energy and zest for life as well as his gentleness and compassion shone through everything he did. He touched many people with his gift of song. My dear mother who preceded Arnie to Heaven always shed a tear at Arnie's rendition of Angels Among Us. I am out of the country and unable to attend the service but will keep you all in mind as you honour and celebrate this wonderful and special man. - Posted by: Lynn Ohlson (Friend and president of Sisters of the Holy Rock) on: Jun 12, 2016
-
Rest in peace Arnie, I am so fortunate to have known you these last 44 years. You have always been a friend, from the first time you met me as a 15 year old kid hanging around the Popovich's you were wonderful. Our last Christmas together in 2015 with a Bottle of Scotch will always be cherished, I don't like Scotch, but I loved spending the evening with you. Carol & I are so thankful that we all got together this past March in Bucerias, Mexico for a few short hours, it was a wonderful visit with you, Suzanne & Janette. You have lived a great life and have many who will remember you fondly for who you were....a caring person. Sleep well Arnie in the arms of the Lord, missing you and remembering you always. Craig - Posted by: Craig Parsley (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2016
-
Been many years, but as a kid just hired on at CPRail Arnie was always patient and a true gentleman. RIP Arnie - Posted by: Mike vandale (Ex co worker) on: Jun 11, 2016